Batman: The Killing Joke Blu-ray Special Features Revealed

Batman fans are finally getting a proper adaptation of The Killing Joke this summer, and now we finally have the details on all of the special features that will be available exclusively on the Blu-ray. They sound pretty awesome from the description, highlighting the score that will accompany "the poetic words from the graphic novel," as well as Mark Hamill's iconic—possibly definitive—version of the Joker. The combo pack will also include a sneak peek at the next DC animated movie, as well as two classic episodes from the DC animated series vault.

Here's the full run-down from the official press release, courtesy of Collider:

Blu-Ray Combo Pack:

An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie.

Featurette – "Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set To Music" – Jim Gordon must bear witness to the most disturbing images any father could imagine while a maniac entices his break from sanity in song. This documentary looks at the step-by-process of one of the most crucial scenes in Batman: The Killing Joke, including the methodology James Tucker used as he storyboarded Brian Bolland's stunning work for the screen; Dynamic Music Partners composers/lyricists' creative merging of original music with the poetic words from the graphic novel to provoke the desired feelings and emotions for this critical scene; and actor Mark Hamill's physical, devoted performance to capturing the world's most notorious Super-Villain in song.

Featurette – "Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke" – Brian Bolland's artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come. Combined with the graphic novel's original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke's distinct style. We'll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation.

There will be several options for home media, but the Blu-ray seems to be the way to go, as the DVD release won't include any of these special features with the exception of the preview for the next DC Universe Original Movie. The Deluxe edition, on the other hand, is exactly the same, but also includes an exclusive limited-edition Joker figurine.

Batman: The Killing Joke will debut at San Diego Comic Con, which will take place from July 21-24. The film will be released on VOD on July 23, Digital HD on July 26, and Blu-ray on August 2.